Understanding Responsible Alcohol Use: Patterns, Effects, and Treatment

1. Chapter Ten The Responsible Use of Alcohol

2. Alcohol Use Patterns • 49% of Americans abstain from alcohol use • 22% are considered “light” drinkers • 29% are considered “risky” drinkers • Alcohol is responsible for more than 70,000 deaths per year among Americans

3. Nature of Alcoholic Beverages • Consumable form of alcohol – ethyl • Fermentation: process where sugars are converted into alcohol by yeast • Proof: alcohol concentration that is twice the percentage • Alcohol provides 7 calories per gram Alcohol is a depressant

4. Strength of the beverage Number of drinks consumed Speed of consumption Carbonation of the beverage Presence of food Body weight Body fat percentage Gender Factors that AffectAlcohol Absorption and Blood Alcohol Concentration Levels

5. Metabolism and Excretion • Once alcohol reaches the stomach, 20% is absorbed into the bloodstream • 75% is absorbed through the upper part of the small intestine • The liver is the main site for alcohol metabolism • 2-10% of ingested alcohol is not metabolized by the liver or other tissues, it is excreted by the lungs, kidneys, and sweat glands unchanged

6. Blood Alcohol Concentration • Percentage of alcohol in a measured amount of blood • Measured from exhaled breath or blood sample • Depends upon the balance between the rate of alcohol absorption and the rate of alcohol metabolism

7. The Immediate Effects of Alcohol • At .03 - .05% = relaxation and jovial • At .10% = physical impairment • At .20% = uncontrollable movement • At .35% = coma and possible death

8. Alcohol Hangover vs. Alcohol Poisonng • A hangover is probably due to a combination of toxic products of alcohol breakdown, dehydration, and hormonal effects • Symptoms of a hangover include: • Headaches • Fatigue • Impaired mental functioning • Alcohol poisoning is consuming large amounts of alcohol in a short amount of time, raising BAC to dangerous levels which could result in death due to: • CNS depression • Respiratory failure • Pulmonary edema

9. Other Dangerous Alcohol Use Combination • Using Alcohol with Other Drugs • Impaired judgment from Alcohol leading to: • Injuries • Violence • Suicide • Alcohol and Sexual Decision-making • Unplanned sexual activity • STD’s • Accidental pregnancies • Drinking and Driving • Dose-response function

10. The Effects of Chronic Use

11. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome • Fetus is exposed to alcohol in a slower manner than an adult via the placenta • Damage results in mental retardation • Other characteristics are low birth weight, facial abnormalities, widely spaced eyes, and a much smaller head. • Full expression rate: 1-2 out of 1000 births

12. Possible Health Benefits of Alcohol • Moderate drinking can benefit people who currently have or are at risk for Coronary Heart Disease by raising HDL levels and reducing inflammation • Some evidence suggests that moderate drinkers may reduce the onset of: • Diabetes • Stroke • Arterial blockages • Alzheimer’s Disease • Prostate enlargement

13. Alcohol Abuse and Dependence • Alcohol Abuse is recurrent use that has negative consequences that result in personal forms of difficulties • Alcohol Dependence (Alcoholism) is a result of needing alcohol on a regular basis to function, involving physical tolerance and withdrawal symptoms

14. Problem Drinking and Alcoholism • Problem drinking – alcohol pattern where the behavior creates personal difficulties or difficulties for others • Co-dependence – relationships that support an alcoholic

15. Health Effects of Alcoholism • Withdrawal symptoms can be acute (shakes or jitters) to more severe i.e. seizures, delirium tremens (DTs) • Alcoholism takes a heavy physical toll upon the body’s organs and tissues as well as causing psychological problems • Socially, it is a serious problem to families and friends • Economically, it effects employment and healthcare costs

16. Causes of Alcoholism • The precise causes are unknown, however the following factors are probably involved • Genetics • Personality • Social factors • Environment • Family structure

17. Binge Drinking • Defined as having 5 or more drinks in a row for men, 4 or more for women on at least one occasion in the last two weeks • A common form of alcohol abuse on college campuses • Binge drinking kills dozens of college students each year in this country • Fast, heavy drinking can easily raise BAC levels quickly, leading to unconsciousness and death

18. Treatment for Alcoholism • Rehab centers • Hospitals • Medication • Counseling • Support groups

19. Gender and Ethnic Differences on Alcoholism • Among White American men, drinking starts in the teenage years and progresses into late adulthood • Women tend to become alcoholics much later (40’s or 50’s) • African-Americans tend to have more health related problems with alcohol use • Drunk driving and cirrhosis tend to be common elements with Latino men • American Indians and Alaskans tend to abuse alcohol early in life

20. Tips to Drink Responsibly • Drink Slowly • Space your drinks • Eat before and while drinking • Know your limits and your drinks

21. How to Promote Responsible Drinking? • Encourage Responsible Attitudes • Be a Responsible Host • Hold the Driver Responsible • Learn About Prevention Programs • Take Community Action

22. Chapter Ten The Responsible Use of Alcohol